Dive Utila!

Hey everyone!

I left Roatan and went to Utila- a smaller more budget friendly island 18 miles away. Despite the short distance it was quite a trip since I had to take a ferry to the mainland and another back. The first wasn't too bad but the second ride, although shorter, was a bit more nauseating. I met an American guy and two Canadian girls on the boat and the girls had been here before and recommended an exquisite place to begin diving- Underwater Vision. I begin my open water certification course tomorrow and should be here until Sunday.

The hotel is awesome. $4/night gets you a room with private bath and shower, and it's right on the water- can't beat it. I'm gonna hang here and dive and enjoy the hoppin island nightlife, which so far has brought adventure and a bit of disaster too. A couple nights ago I was riding a bike at 4am and the chain snapped and I took a little spill. Have a nice rasberry on my arm and several on my leg to show for it... they burn a bit in the salt water, but I'm taking good care of the wounds and don't expect them to hold me back.

The power goes in and out in the islands, which can be both fun and frustrating. It's impossible to sleep at night without a fan blowing on you (obviously there's no AC for $4/night). But blackouts usually bring out the adventurists in people. Had a candle lit rum drinking session with an American and Norwegian divemaster and a few girls 2 nights ago (prior to the bike disaster). Last night we partied hard til 5am and explored the only pool on the island really really late after the bars. Tonight there is a BBQ at the dive center next door. 150 lempiras ($8) gets you all you can eat and drink once inside.

So that's that. Net is WAY slow here so no pics yet, but I'll post some from diving ASAP!